PAM FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Peer Academic Mentoring (PAM) service. 
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Why should I talk to a Mentor?
Sometimes it’s easier to talk to another student to work out which resource to use, or to check if you’re on the right track. Perhaps you want to write an email to your Unit Coordinator but you’re not quite sure how to word it. Get a second opinion from a peer who has done it before! -
What happens in an appointment?
When you tell the Mentor what you need assistance with, they will help you breakdown the issue and try to find some techniques or resources that will help you to move forward with it. Mentors might not be able to resolve every query, but they have student experience and knowledge of UNE resources and teams, and through this can help you get sorted! -
How long are appointments? Can I drop in? What do I need to prepare/bring?
Appointments are 15 minutes long. You can book ahead of time or, if there is a timeslot available, you can drop-in. You don’t need to prepare, but Mentors will need to know your general area of study and what you’ve done already to seek assistance.
- An opportunity to talk one-on-one in real time with a fellow student 7-days a week.
- A sounding board for ideas or questions offering specific guidance to UNE student resources from an experienced student.
- Addresses sense of isolation in online study by creating a peer-to-peer connection.
- Similar approach to PASS – not re-teaching, but guiding students to their own solutions.
- It doesn’t matter what stage you are up to!
- Make a list of questions to ask.
- Have your unit guide and assessment instructions open on your computer to share.
- 15 minute timeslots can go really quickly, so to make the most of it, decide which section of your work you want to focus on prior to your appointment
- Find a quiet space for your online consultation.
- Make sure you have a reliable internet connection.
- Set up your device and check your audio is working – we recommend a USB headset with a microphone for the best experience.
- It is possible to book another session or regular sessions.
- The Peer Academic Mentoring Service acts as a kind of concierge. It allows students to tap into the experience of a successful student for guidance and reassurance.
- Peer-to-peer level rather than university-to-student level.
- Peer Academic Mentors are successful UNE students who are trained and experienced PASS Leaders. They do not give answers, rather they use redirection techniques that empower students to build their own capacity to seek solutions.
- Peer Academic Mentors do not replace expert services such as Academic Skills Office, CAPS, Academic staff, Academic Advisors.
No, but Peer Academic Mentors can give you pointers that helped them with their assignments and point out key unit resources or instructions for your assessments. They can also share their study experience and how they work through their study schedule and assessments.
Of course! What better place to ask your question than to one of your peers who probably wondered the same thing? Don’t be shy. PAM aims to help you get over those hurdles and get the most out of your studies.
Mentors are not counsellors, experts, or academic staff. If you need access to one of these teams, talk to one of our mentors who’ll point you in the right direction. They are current, high-achieving students who know their way around UNE’s network of resources. Most Mentors are undergraduate students, studying Bachelor degrees.
